A cold can potentially turn into bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis, which lasts for seven to 10 days, is also known as achest cold.
Bronchitis is felt in the lungs.
andreswd / Getty Images
andreswd / Getty Images
Symptoms
The symptoms of a cold and bronchitis often resemble each other.
Both illnesses can cause coughing fits, low-grade fever, and fatigue.
There are, however, some key differences.
The main symptom ofbronchitisis a productive cough.
In other words, a cough that brings up yellow-grey mucus.
If you have a cold, your cough will be dry.
Cold symptomstypically begin with a runny nose with clearmucus.
After a few days, the mucus may change to a white, yellow, or even green color.
This is nothing to worry about; it is a sign that your body is fighting the infection.
The runny nose and cough may continue (but decrease in severity) for 10 to 14 days.
Similarly,bronchitis symptomsare temporary and usually do not lead to permanent breathing difficulties.
Beyond this, each illness affects the body differently.
Cold
Colds spread easily to others.
Your risk of developing a cold increases when you socialize or spend time in crowded spaces without social distancing.
In both cases, the cells that line the bronchi become infected.
Bronchitis itself isn’t contagious, but the viruses and bacteria that cause it are.
However, not everyone who catches the cold will develop bronchitis.
Other factors that increase your risk of bronchitis include those that weaken your immune system or irritate your lungs.
This includes smoking and exposure to lung irritants like secondhand smoke, dust, fumes, and air pollution.
This means antibiotics are not necessary, nor are they recommended, even in cases of bacterial bronchitis.
However, you’ve got the option to look for medications that offer symptom relief.
Over-the-counter (OTC)nasal decongestantscan help with a runny nose, whileacetaminophenoribuprofencan help with a low-grade fever.
We all want to feel better as soon as possible, yet the cough lingers, worrying us.
But antibiotics are rarely the answer and may cause other problems.
With a cold, you will experience more upper respiratory symptoms, like postnasal drip and a runny nose.
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